Patty Foster, Boise

Deployed to Florida and Georgia to help provide comfort and care following back-to-back hurricanes.

"We went down country roads and saw lots of devastation. Houses that were completely crushed by trees, roofs torn off and a ton of wind damage. It’s incredibly sad for those who have lost everything, but it’s amazing how communities have banded together to help one another.

“I do this because people need help and they need to know other people care during the worst times of their lives. They're are all so grateful and so appreciative.”

Paul Hicks, Helena

Deployed to Florida where he helped get supplies out of the warehouse and into the field. That included supporting shelters and disaster emergency supply teams with items like cribs, baby bottles, blankets, comfort kits, medical cots, work gloves, hand sanitizer, bottled water, flashlights and ready-to-eat meals.

"I just enjoy helping my fellow man. I would rather give my time rather than send money, and this is something I can do."

Katie Adams, Ontario

Deployed to Hudson, N.C., as a shelter supervisor

"Lots of trees are knocked over and lots of debris from flooding. Some towns have lots of damage to structures. Talking to locals, they said this was so unexpected for this part of North Carolina.

"I'm doing it because people deserve a safe and comforting place in times of need, and I would want people to return the favor if we needed it back home. The people are amazing, the locals who have came to the shelter just want to help."

Jacki Kaelin Williams, Kamiah

Deployed to northern Florida communities following Hurricanes Helene and Milton and is grateful for the safety Red Cross provides while she’s delivering supplies, care and comfort

“I have done fire, landslide, flooding, now hurricane — this was the scariest. I had stayed close to home in Kamiah for the fire season, to help my areas. So far we have been good on that. So I set out to deploy for Milton. I knew the need was bad since Helene was still needing help. I'm doing transportation, and I am working with great people..I kind of felt I was needed so away I went. The experience has been a wild ride.”

Peter Fabrick, Idaho Falls

Deployed to Live Oaks, a small community in Florida

"There I met a Red Cross team in an evacuation location that served 513 people and 110 dogs during the height of Hurricane Helene. I met another disaster health volunteer who helped a client who had an OB emergency, and at the worst part of the storm, another client having a cardiac arrest. Both people survived – a testament to the best of Red Cross.

"We eventually closed the evac location and moved clients to a shelter. Food and cots were scarce, but with the additional Red Cross volunteers and the wonderful citizens in the shelter, we all pitched in and made do. The most pressing part was restoration of electricity. The heat and inability to keep food cold drove people into the shelter after days staying at home. Now with electricity being restored this shelter is winding down.

"Finally, what I'm left with is the warmth of the people in Live Oaks who thanked us wherever we went and those in the shelter pitching in to help. It has been wonderful to see all the Red Cross volunteers from all over the country with a smile and can-do attitude. I am proud of all the Red Cross volunteers and wearing my red vest!"

Heather Sappington, Boulder, Mont.

Deployed to Asheville, N.C., where she helped supervise a shelter at night and assist with clean-up during the day

"It’s absolutely devastating to see the impact the hurricane has had. It’s indescribable, and pictures and videos do it no justice. But it’s also amazing to see the community and other volunteers stepping in and lending a helping hand. Considering everything they have been through, they are all in good spirits – loving and helping people they have never met. It’s hard to put into words.

"I'm volunteering after Hurricane Helene because I believe in the power of community and compassion. When faced with such devastation, it's easy to feel helpless, but I know that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference. If I can make someone’s worst possible day just a little bit better, why wouldn’t I?"

Logan Orr, EMT from Blackfoot

From a shelter in Douglas, Georgia, where he's provided disaster health services following Helene

"I'm helping the clients whose homes and lives were devastated by Hurricane Helene. There's so much destruction in this area, and it's hard to understand and comprehend that some people lost so much in a matter of just a few seconds.

"I chose to volunteer with the Red Cross because I believe one of the reasons we're put on this Earth is to help and support each other, and it's so important, especially after disasters like this occur."

Jennifer Padian, Pocatello

Deployed to Greenville, S.C., where she assisted at a warehouse and helped get supplies to those impacted by Helene

"There are many, many long lists of needed items for the surrounding shelters," Jennifer said. "I joined the Red Cross to give back to community. What I found is I have gotten back just as much as I’ve given. The organization is supportive, the people I work directly with are amazing and the clients that I interact with have always been gracious, appreciative and extremely thankful."

Terry Tippery, Boise

Disaster mental health from his deployment to North Carolina helping those impacted by Hurricane Helene

"Things are busy. I'm working in shelters in Boone and West Jefferson in North Carolina. There is extensive damage to rural roads. The community support we're seeing inspires massive respect and admiration. It may take years to rebuild the infrastructure but they are determined, good-hearted people."

Kris Mullen, Chubbuck

From the ground in Tallahassee

"We have been loading essential emergency supplies, such as water and bleach and rakes onto vehicles and driving them to affected areas. Our clients are so grateful to receive these necessary supplies!

"I volunteered with the American Red Cross to serve my community, but being able to serve those across the country in times like these has been an unexpected blessing to me. And meeting so many amazing people, both Red Crossers and clients, has helped me establish friendships all over the United States. I am grateful for the opportunity to provide a little hope in times of need."

Angela James, Great Falls

From Red Cross headquarters facility in Asheville, N.C.

"My job is to support the immediate financial assistance to our clients. Caseworkers are already out in the field providing this service. I want to share my experience to get the operation up and running as quickly as possible to be ready for the caseworkers as they arrive.

"I am so thankful when Red Crossers from around the country come to help our region when we are in need. We are all Americans, and we do our best work when we are working for each other."